Steelers Vs Ravens Prediction – Steelers Depot

As we have done in the past, below are the keys and my prediction for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win (or lose) today’s game. Three things that need to happen for them to finish on the right side of the standings and vice versa in their Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

My Steelers’ prediction is at the bottom.

The Steelers will win if…

1. Pat Freiermuth has the best performance of the season

The Ravens’ pass defense has struggled this year, especially down the middle of the field. Roquan Smith hasn’t been nearly as strong in coverage as he was a year ago. There’s a chance for Pittsburgh to attack real estate, which they typically don’t with Freiermuth down the stretch.

Russell Wilson and the Steelers’ offense still prefer to throw vertically and outside the numbers, but as OC Arthur Smith pointed out earlier this week, they’re still game-planning for Freiermuth. They have continued to isolate him on the back end of 3×1 looks, creating matchup issues for the defense. One drew a 20-plus yard DPI last week. Today could be a big one for Freiermuth, who potentially hits 60 yards for the first time all season.

2. George Pickens takes advantage downfield

While Freiermuth could and should see more looks over the middle, the Steelers bread is buttered the same way. Because the Ravens don’t tend to raise top CB Marlon Humphrey, Pittsburgh can dictate matchups. Get Pickens on CB Brandon Stephens or rookie Nate Wiggins, two talented but volatile corners, and Pickens can win big. He came up big with the game-winning downfield touchdown in the first meeting last year before being shut out in the finale. Let’s hope Sunday’s performance is more like the previous one.

3. Steelers win last 5 minutes

That’s how they’ve won so many of these games. Steelers-Ravens is always close, but Pittsburgh simply has a knack for making more big plays late than Baltimore does. That’s how Pittsburgh won against the Washington Commanders last week. Every big play in the final five minutes swung the Steelers’ way. It will be needed again in all three phases: attack, defense and special teams. Baltimore has also struggled in the fourth quarter this year, allowing two-near comebacks after building big leads. They haven’t had much success closing out games.

The Steelers will lose if…

1. Steelers Can’t Sort Out Ravens Run Game

Credit to Pittsburgh for stifling Washington, yet they allowed 27 points and could have easily given up more. Baltimore runs the same style of offense, but at a graduate level. Pittsburgh’s plan in the past has been to minimize Lamar Jackson’s legs and let the running back have more success; Mike Tomlin has even admitted that.

That strategy can work when the runner is Austin Ekeler or Gus Edwards. When is future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry? You are less sure of winning that way. If anything, I think Pittsburgh needs to allow Jackson to run a little in this game. The focus must start with Henry. There is always a trade-off and consequence. The answers here are not easy. But if Pittsburgh can’t have an ace plan, even with their stockpile of defensive talent, it could be a long day.

Of course, execution will be just as important. Elandon Roberts, DeShon Elliott and the cornerbacks will be tested in the perimeter run game (sweeps/crack toss, etc.). Bring a helmet.

2. Ravens receivers gain over the middle, gain YAC

Baltimore’s offense is more multidimensional than ever before. Their receivers are threats with speed and post-catch ability. Zay Flowers is a major concern, and Pittsburgh’s secondary was exposed in man coverage by their pressure looks last week against Washington. Baltimore can hit the plays Washington couldn’t. CB Donte Jackson needs to bounce back and DB Cam Sutton needs to show that last week was rust, not regression.

3. Pittsburgh’s Run Game Stutters

Fortunately, the Steelers can lead with their passing game. But they still can’t win solely with that. The run game needs to get going faster than last week, and Baltimore’s run defense is still struggling, even if the attention is on their subpar pass defense. This is the No. 1 ranked run defense in football. They may be hurting up front and not as strong as years past, but they don’t give up big plays in the run. Pittsburgh needs to avoid running its head into a wall.

Forecast

Steel machines: 23
Ravens: 21

Season prediction record

4-5